Why did you join the division?
I joined The Society for Media Psychology and Technology as a graduate student. My doctoral advisor, Dr. Frank Farley (Former 46 and APA president) encouraged me to get involved. He often appeared on TV, sharing psychological research and insights in an engaging way. Most people don’t have access to therapy or psych classes, so I saw the value of public education. One of the missions of Division 46 is to “give psychology away” by being a source of information in the media, and this philosophy still guides me 15 years later.
How did you become a division leader?
I have held leadership roles since joining, starting as a volunteer for the student committee and later serving for many years as secretary. In 2019, I had the privilege of serving as president, and I currently contribute as a member-at-large.
What do you get out of your involvement?
The greatest benefit has been forming long-term relationships with colleagues who share similar values. As a mental health counselor, adjunct professor, and now consultant, I’ve found that this work can often feel isolating. Connecting with members of Division 46 is wonderful, and I look forward to seeing them each year at the convention.
What are you most proud of?
I specialize in sexual assault and I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge through various media platforms. I’ve been featured in numerous magazines and online sources, such as The New York Times, NPR, MSNBC, Chicago Tribune and MTV News. I am most proud of appearing as an expert in the Netflix Docuseries Filthy Rich: Jeffrey Epstein. It had a huge reach and I’ve heard from hundreds of people who said that it helped them in some way.
If you weren’t in psychology, what would you do?
There are so many career paths that sound exciting. Top of the list is FBI agent or police detective.
Contact: Kathryn Stamoulis